Kanpur: At a time when women across the country continue to be tortured and even killed by in-laws for dowry and other reasons, a young man from Uttar Pradesh has set an example by tying the knot to the woman he had committed to marry, inside the burnt ward of a hospital in Kanpur.
The 23-year-old woman, Garima Singh, also known as Shweta, was severely burnt in an accident at her home during the Mehndi ceremony.
The groom-to-be, Vikas Singh (27), of Kanpur, insisted that the marriage be held on May 14, as planned and before long, the burn ward of the private hospital turned into a wedding venue.
Propped-up by pillows and decked in bridal attire, Garima exchanged garlands with her groom as relatives, doctors and nurses watched.
The couple later cut a cake together before Vikas filled Garima’s hair parting with sindoor, completing the marriage rituals inside the hospital itself, as reported by News18.
“Whatever the circumstances may be, we will stand by each other and honour our promise,” Vikas said after the ceremony.
The bride, daughter of Jagdish Singh, belongs to Jagannathpur. Her marriage with Vikas had been fixed months earlier and preparations were underway in both families.
Tragedy struck at Garima’s house on the evening of May 13 during the Mehendi ceremony. Relatives and guests had gathered at the house when gas suddenly started leaking from a cylinder pipe. Within moments, the leakage triggered a massive fire.
A large pan filled with boiling oil overturned during the chaos, even as locals rushed in to douse the blaze. The hot oil splashed onto several people standing nearby, leaving many with serious burn injuries.
While Garima suffered major burns in the incident, her father and a photographer identified as Shiva were also injured. As many as 12 people sustained burn injuries in the accident.
Villagers informed the police and emergency services soon after the incident. Four ambulances were used to shift the injured to Ghatampur Community Health Centre.
Doctors there referred them to Kanpur for advanced treatment, owing to the seriousness of their injuries. The blaze was brought under control by fire brigade personnel after much effort.
As soon as Vikas and his family learned about the accident, they rushed to the hospital in Kanpur where Garima had been admitted.
Several relatives suggested postponing the wedding, given Garima’s condition. But Vikas refused to delay the marriage.
“I told everyone that no matter how difficult the situation became, I would fulfil both my relationship and my promise,” he said.
Vikas approached the administration of the Mishika Hospital and requested permission to conduct the wedding ceremony inside the ward itself.
Permission was granted after discussions between both families and the hospital management.
The burn ward was soon transformed into a makeshift wedding mandap. Nursing staff joined family members in decorating the ward with flowers and arranging the ceremony.
Mishika Hospital managing director Dr Surendra Patel described the wedding as one of the most emotional moments witnessed by the hospital staff.
“The nursing staff and family members decorated the ward like a wedding venue. It was an emotional occasion for everyone present,” he said.
Garima’s condition is improving gradually and she may require another eight to 10 days before being discharged from the hospital, Dr Patel added..
